After several years of non-stop success, Samsung has had a bit of a tough run lately. From exploding smartphone batteries to self-destructing washing machines to the arrest of the company’s Vice Chairman and heir-apparant…it’s been a challenging time, to say the least. But with the company Chairman Lee Kun-hee incapacitated due to failing health and his son, the Vice Chairman, now in police custody – the company’s biggest problem is a lack of leadership at the helm.
Pivot Point
On Drive to Grow Commercial, James Hits the Accelerator…Lightly
James Loudspeaker, the specialty speaker manufacturer with a wide range of models mostly serving the high-end market, has intrigued us for some time now. The subject of our intrigue is largely centered around their prodigious custom manufacturing capability, which they use to create a plethora of one-off products designed to order. We told you about a VERY unique pair of speakers they made for one Colorado integrator, who uses James’ customization capabilities as his “competitive advantage.”
Now James is targeting the commercial channel. See what we learned about their plans… [Read more…] about On Drive to Grow Commercial, James Hits the Accelerator…Lightly
GUILTY: Former Industry CEO Manlove Convicted on Multiple Federal Charges
Almost exactly one year ago, we told you that former CEO of Montana specialty retailer Vann’s, George Leslie Manlove, was charged with more than 200 counts of criminal conduct by Federal prosecutors after an investigation by the FBI and the Department of Labor. Manlove, who is married to the daughter of the founder of Vann’s, was accused of a number of crimes including conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering, bankruptcy fraud, bank fraud, and making false statements.
Now we learn that after a two-week trial and two days of deliberation, jurors found Manlove guilty on 172 of those charges…and aquitted on the rest.
See more about the surprising downfall of Manlove, a former rising star of tech… [Read more…] about GUILTY: Former Industry CEO Manlove Convicted on Multiple Federal Charges
Massive $6.3 Billion Writedown is Tanking Toshiba, Could It Collapse?
Toshiba Corp. announced yesterday that it will take a $6.3 billion writedown to account for the meltdown of its nuclear division. This amount of writedown is much higher than the markets had anticipated, forcing Toshiba into crisis mode having to secure lending commitments from their banks, reorganize their nuclear division, and sell assets to offset their losses.
Is Toshiba near the tipping point?… [Read more…] about Massive $6.3 Billion Writedown is Tanking Toshiba, Could It Collapse?
Is CEDIA’s Show For Sale…Again?
Reuters is reporting that Emerald Expositions LLC, the major trade show exposition company that bought the CEDIA show last week, is considering putting itself up for sale. This report became public on Wednesday, January 25th…the day before CEDIA announced it has sold its trademark show to Emerald. All of which leads to the distinct possibility of the show changing hands again, in just a matter of weeks.
See more on this report and how CEDIA members are reacting to the sale… [Read more…] about Is CEDIA’s Show For Sale…Again?
Savant Holds Integration Summit in Denver, Outlines New Path Forward
In the wake of recent major executive changes, Savant seemed to fall into silent mode, deflecting media inquiries and in general buying itself time to get organized. All that is changing now as the company wrapped up a summit of its integrators in Denver – its largest ever – where it made several major announcements. At the integration summit, Savant revealed new products, new services, and a new commitment to the custom integration community.
See what we know so far about Savant’s announcements… [Read more…] about Savant Holds Integration Summit in Denver, Outlines New Path Forward
Sprint Throws a Life Preserver to Drowning Tidal
Cash Infusion Buys Time for Struggling Service
Tidal, the musician-owned music streaming service put together by rapper Jay Z, announced this week that it has sold a third of the company to telecom giant Sprint. Although the original announcement did not disclose the price, Billboard, the music industry trade journal, said that Sprint invested $200 million for a 33% stake in the company.
See more on the dynamic situation surrounding Tidal… [Read more…] about Sprint Throws a Life Preserver to Drowning Tidal
What Kind of Advertising Do Consumers Trust? You Won’t Believe It!
Did the 2016 Presidential Election Impact Consumer Trust?
Ask any marketing professional, the last ten years have brought a dizzying array of all-new 
advertising options thanks to the continued development of digital and online marketing tools. Strata-gee has reported on several occasions the rapid ramp-up of big- and small-business investment in email marketing, social media marketing, digital media marketing and more. More companies have been investing more dollars in more different types of largely digital marketing methods.
So a new consumer survey really caught our attention when it showed which advertising method consumers most trust. It really kind of blew our mind.
You won’t believe which form of advertising consumers trust the most… [Read more…] about What Kind of Advertising Do Consumers Trust? You Won’t Believe It!
Prosecutors Make Their Case to Jail Head of Samsung
Judge Questions Jay Y. Lee in Arrest Warrant Hearing
In a case that has been percolating for weeks but has now come to a boil, special prosecutors in South Korea have gone before a judge to obtain a warrant for the arrest of Samsung Group leader, Jay Y, Lee. Summoned by the court to testify, Lee answered questions in a closed-door session at the court, held today. Lee denied he or his company participated in any wrongdoing.
The judge’s decision is expected very soon.
See more on the legal troubles that Samsung now finds themselves in… [Read more…] about Prosecutors Make Their Case to Jail Head of Samsung
Strata-gee Editor on Latest ResiWeek Podcast
ResiWeek, a podcast from AVNation.tv focused on the residential audio/visual market, once again invited Strata-gee editor Ted Green to participate on this week’s episode, recorded on Monday, January 9 and hosted this week by AVNation founder Tim Albright. The show, which has a strong bias towards the integration community, is known for its at-times vigorous and at-times humorous conversations with a rotating series of guests commenting on the topics of the day.
